I am enthusiastic to be involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and it is with great pleasure and an honor to be receiving the Sal Capano legacy award at the upcoming Champagne and Roses for Cystic Fibrosis event, February 5th, 2027, at the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club Boca Raton, Florida, as I hope you will all be in attendance. 

At the heart of my fundraising journey for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, my son Tyler was diagnosed with CF shortly after his first birthday in 2002. Through incredibly heartbreaking moments, silent tears and almost a year of his life of hospital stays, clinical trials, bronchoscopies, MRIs, picc lines and life-saving therapies, he has encountered what no child should ever experience in his lifetime. 

However today, at 24 years old, I am blessed to report that Tyler is doing remarkably well.  The intricate scientific advancements made through the generous donations of our supporters have been incredible towards innovative therapeutics. Currently, scientists have successfully corrected the genetic defect that causes CF in cells in a laboratory which is; not only exciting news, it is also one step closer to a cure.  

Accepting this award allows me to further advocate for Tyler and the nearly 40,000 people in the United States living with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, and while tremendous progress has been made, there is still critical research and trials to accomplish.  

Sixty years ago, children with CF often did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, due to Foundation-supported research and care, the median survival age has risen to over 50. These breakthroughs represent critical lives extended and quality of life care. 

Each year, $100 million dollars are required to fund complex and extremely sophisticated scientific studies and clinical trials so that we can advance to the next step of curing CF.  

However, not everyone with CF benefits from existing treatments. That is why the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is so urgent. The Foundation works tirelessly to advance research, develop new therapies, and move closer to a cure for every person living with CF, leaving no one behind.

As the recipient of the Sal Capano Legacy Award I have committed to raising funds to help accelerate progress toward a cure for every person living with cystic fibrosis. I am inspired and driven to advocate, utilize my network platforms so that people like Tyler can continue to live full, joyful lives, so that future generations may one day live free from the burden of this challenging disease.

Tyler’s profound story is a powerful reminder of what optimism, medical breakthroughs, and donor support can achieve.  It would mean the world to me, in support of my fundraising efforts and your generous donation to this incredible cause.  By giving, you become part of a story that is still being written. One that brings us closer to a future where cystic fibrosis no longer defines what is possible.

From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate your kind generosity, support and love for my son Tyler, as he means the world to me, and for supporting the Foundation and cystic fibrosis community.